South Korean bank stocks surge on stablecoin trademark filings

Shares of Kakao Bank, Kookmin Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea rose by 10% to 19% following stablecoin trademark applications.

Shares of major South Korean banks surged following trademark filings for stablecoins, signaling growing institutional interest in digital assets. 

According to Google Finance data, at least three South Korean banks that recently applied for Korean won stablecoin trademarks saw their stock prices increase by 10% to almost 20%. The market reaction suggests investor optimism around the banks’ potential entry into the cryptocurrency sector.

The filings came shortly after the inauguration of the country’s 21st president, Lee Jae‑myung, on June 4. His campaign included crypto-friendly promises, including the development of a Korean won-pegged stablecoin.

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